Asbestos dumped outside childcare centres in Ultimo

By Lawrence Champness

The City of Sydney is appealing for help from the public to find who dumped more than two tonnes of asbestos, in broad daylight, outside of two childcare centres.
On Friday the 14th of December last year, at around 4pm, a load of asbestos from a truck was illegally dumped in Wattle Lane, Ultimo, near a playground in the City's McKee Street Reserve and between two local childcare centres.

Investigations into the incident by the City of Sydney have determined that the truck is a white Daihatsu Delta.

"The footage we have been able to obtain, through our investigations, shows a truck initially driving down the street, sussing it out, sort of reconnaissance.

It's then done the block, come down the same lane with the tray up and the back tailgate open, went over two speed bumps and dumped the load, at 4pm in the afternoon.

It is really hard to fathom how anyone could do something like that" said Gary Harding, Director of City Operations with the City of Sydney.

The number plate of the vehicle was obscured by cloth but Harding is hoping that some other features of the truck can help the City of Sydney find the culprit.

"There are some scratches on the truck, and a bar that has been welded across the tray which is a non standard feature on the truck and there has been some damage done to the side of the truck" said Harding.

Fortunately a passerby quickly reported the incident at the time, toxic waste specialists were able to clean up the area and it was given the all clear within two days.

The cleaning cost the council $13,000.

If caught, the offender could face a $1millon dollar fine and up to seven years in jail.

Anyone with information on the truck is asked to contact the City on 02 9265 9333 or by email on council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au